"As a professional journalist, Tony Snow understands the importance of the relationship between government and those whose job it is to cover the government," said the president who appeared with Snow before reporters at the White House.

The 50-year-old journalist reportedly agreed to take the job after being assured by White House officials he would be an active participant in policy debates.

Snow, who was director of speechwriting for Bush's father, has since been an outspoken conservative voice on television. He is expected to smooth relations between the White House and the press corps.

Dee Dee Myers, a press secretary in the Clinton White House, told The Washington Post (NYSE:WPO): "Tony has stature. He understands how the press works from both sides. He has a big personality, and that can be helpful." She also said Snow has "a long paper trail" and would have to defend policies he has criticized.

The Post, quoting sources, reported latest test results have showed that Snow has no recurrence of his colon cancer.

Snow also has been a USA Today columnist, editorial page editor of the Washington Times, deputy editorial page editor of the Detroit News and frequent substitute for radio host Rush Limbaugh.